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Post by hollydawnr on Aug 27, 2006 13:15:20 GMT -5
I have to share this, though. Last night after the kids were in bed, DH turned on the TV but he let me pick what I wanted to watch. I found his strange show on MTV  . I don't know if it's a new show or what, but I ended up watching four episodes of it back-to-back, and it was very interesting. The show is called "Parental Control". Basically, the parents have a teenage daughter (18-21, usually) and she has a boyfriend that they cannot STAND. So they make arrangements with this show. They will interview about twenty guys and pick their top two. Mom picks one and Dad picks one, but usually they agree and just pick their two favorites. The girl will then go out on an all-day date with one of the boys and then the next day will do the same with Choice #2. While she's out on this date, her boyfriend has to sit in her parent's living room and watch it all on camera. Well after she's done going on these dates, the three boys wait in her living room as she talks to her parents. Then she comes out and has to choose only ONE of the boys to date. Will she choose her old boyfriend or one of the new guys that her parents chose? The reason this surprised me, and the reason I thought it would be nice to share, is that in 3 of the four episodes I watched, the daughter chose to dump that old boyfriend and date one of the guys her parents picked! Now I find this very interesting... I am training my children from a young age to prepare for betrothal and then marriage--to understand that the parents are supposed to be the "front lines of defense" in finding a future spouse, kind of like the parents that did the initial interviews on this show. But of course that is not the mainstream view of romance and pairing off. And yet, when these stubborn and willful girls finally take a chance and give their parents a shot, they invariably find that their parents were right all along. Oh, for those of you that DO watch TV, the show isn't that bad. They do have some mild profanity (which they bleep), immodest dressing (no worse than the rest of cable TV), and mild flirtation. On some of the episodes, they do have verbal references to sex and other sexual acts. I wouldn't think of it as being appropriate for children, but it's not quite as bad as one might think for it being on MTV. Just watch out for the commercials--they're worse than the show itself. But if you have a teen or pre-teen, you might find it has some good points. There are some people who do not truly discover Godly courtship until their children are teens or pre-teens, and it is sometimes hard to convince a resistant teen to go along with it. So I think that this show might actually be somewhat beneficial there, but I think that care must be taken to minimize the effect of some of the other aspects of the show. |
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Post by George on Aug 27, 2006 14:37:53 GMT -5
"the show isn't that bad. They do have some mild profanity (which they bleep), immodest dressing (no worse than the rest of cable TV), and mild flirtation. On some of the episodes, they do have verbal references to sex and other sexual acts. "
Isn't that bad? And then you go on to list all the reasons a Christian should not watch that trash in the first place? MTV??? This is one of the worst debacles that exists on the infernal TV. My goodness! I find your post encouraging people to watch things they ought not watch and that is quite disturbing to me. It is not a good thing to encourage people to sin or to do things that could lead to sin.
Perhaps you think I am being a little harsh but the Bible is very specific on these types of things. I could give you a seemingly endless list of verses which tell us not to watch this trash. Let me gvie you just a couple:
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Is there anything true, honest, just, pure lovely, of good report, virture or any praise involved in that show in even the remotest way? It does not sound that way to me. And what about the commercials?
MTV is not of God, it is of the devil. It cannot be both ways or a little of this and a little of that. My word, if you need something to do after the children have gone to bed how about relaxing with your Bible? Of course you are going to have to deal with the fact your children will be watching such things also even though you believe they don't know you are watching it. Children are influenced more by the things their parents do than any other influence in their lives.
That is a command! It is not something we are given a choice to obey or not obey. We are not to participate in things if they even look like they may be evil. What kind of a testimony is it for a Christian person to be telling others they are watching MTV?
I shall be praying that you do not continue in this behaviour and that you will reconsider what you watch if you insist on watching TV.
In Christ,
George
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Post by hollydawnr on Aug 28, 2006 0:12:39 GMT -5
You are absolutely right, Bro George. I thank you for pointing me in the right direction.
I have often taken a much more liberal view towards television and other forms of media. I've told myself that it was okay, because there IS some good to it--kind of an "eat the meat and spit out the bones" mentality. I do the same thing with non-TV media (books, newspapers, etc.). But now I see what you're talking about...
TV does have some negatives to it--a LOT of negatives, to be honest. And the only purposes it really serves are to entertain and to educate (some shows, and frankly I can find a lot of that information in my local library or on the internet). So since I don't really NEED television, why keep the temptation around? It's obviously different with things you have an actual NEED for... For instance, if my DH doesn't like listening to any secular music but his workplace plays it, then he might have to work there even though there's that one thing that he disapproves of. But there's no reason that I NEED to watch TV. Is that right?
And I guess I didn't think about how my words might affect my "weaker brother"... I grew up on TV and watched it for many, many years. Lots of things that probably should bother me often don't, because they're so commonplace. And in a way, I guess that I have developed a partial immunity to it. But my Christian brother or sister may not be so resistant, and by promoting/encouraging it, it may cause them to stumble.
When I first read your response, I did think you were being a little harsh. But as I've considered it and prayed about it, I see that you were right. Thank you for being honest with me rather than being "nice"--I know that you have my best interests at heart, and I thank you so much for it. I'm going to share your response with my DH--perhaps it will motivate him as well.
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Post by Brother Ben on Aug 28, 2006 7:55:31 GMT -5
Holly,
Also remember the testimony of Christ in your life. We not only abstain from carnal practices because of weaker brethren and the lost, but first and foremost because Christ is to have the preeminence in our lives and the things we do and say are to be manifestations of the grace and holiness of God "active" in our lives.
Bro. Ben
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Post by George on Aug 28, 2006 22:00:26 GMT -5
First of all I don't believe you will find a "weaker brother" here on this site. We have had some struggling with the TV addiction but that is because their relationship with The Lord has grown and they have been shown the senselessness of continuing to watch such atrocious things as MTV.
The next part of that paragraph both frightens me and causes me great concern for your Spiritual well being. Perhaps I am wrong but let me try to explain this to you. The seeming "immunity' you have to sin seen on TV is a tool used by the world, the flesh and the devil which can ultimately lead to your downfall. And downfall it will be. The Bible says, "and that without remedy"
I see that from your statement you have become accustomed to some of the things of the world, the flesh and the devil. You state that things don’t bother you because they are so commonplace. While it is true they are commonplace a Christian should never become accustomed to such things. My word, you mentioned profanity, (which although was bleeped out you most likely could guess what they were saying,) immodest dress and other things. Why on earth would you want to have such things become commonplace to you? That is frightening.
In Romans 12:2 the apostle Paul makes an extremely important point.
I have chosen to place the words “conformed,” and “mind” in bold type because I believe them to be the most important words in that verse. This for good reason. Your mind will become conformed to that which it is exposed to. If you watch these trashy things on TV your mind will become conformed to them, or perhaps already has. It is apparent to me that you are experiencing a degree of conformity to the world, the flesh and the devil. The things that you expose your mind to is what it will become conformed to, whether of sin unto death or obedience unto righteousness.
As example in this case let me address the profanity which was bleeped out. In your words, “They do have some mild profanity (which they bleep)” My question is, what constitutes “mild profanity?” Profanity is profanity any way one looks at it. It is filth in any form. It is also quite against the teachings of the Bible. So if you know the words they bleeped out were “mild” what happens when you watch a show in which the “mild” profanity is not bleeped out? Your mind will tell you it is not “all that bad.” By degree you will find yourself out in the middle of the lake, going down for the third time, screaming out in anguish for The Saviour to rescue you once again and wondering how you got there in the first place. If you want to know how you got there in the first place just ask me, or brother Ben, we can tell you exactly how you were circling the drain for the third time about to go down.
Immodest dress? What do you consider immodest? It is probably a different viewpoint than the folks here on this forum. From immodest dress to almost naked there is little degree of change. If I recall correctly on MTV it is rather easy to witness young ladies dressed either in their underwear or in bikini bathing suits which leave nothing to the imagination. And then folks wonder why the number of violent crimes against women are on the increase? It is pretty obvious to me but apparently not to those who accept the viewing of immodest dress so nonchalantly.
So where does it all stop? It is pretty easy to go to the next step and start watching shows without the profanity bleeped out because it is not all that bad compared to what your mind has become conformed to. It is not to hard to go to the next step and start watching semi-nude people because it is not all that bad compared to what your mind has become conformed to. I heard a so-called Christian movie reviewer professing that a movie was “okay” because the nudity it displayed was only shown from the back side! My goodness!
This is not said to you in the spirit of harsh condemnation but in the spirit of reproof. I am a Christian counselor and God has also given me the gift of teaching. I work with people who started out with things that were not “all that bad” and then ended up in places you may not even be able to imagine. I have been in those places myself. They are not acceptable to a Christian in any way, shape or form.
This could go on and on but let me give you something to think about and think about sincerely.
If any man includes women. If any of them be in Christ, in other words profess to be Christian, he or she is a NEW creature. Old things, our old habits and our old likes and tastes, are passed away. When something passes away it dies! Our old fleshly desires and wants are dead if we are in Christ. Paul then goes on to say ALL things are become new. All means all in any language. It does not mean some or most. The Bible clearly says that all of the old things of our lives are dead when we become Christians. Then look at the beginning of verse 18. It says ALL things are of God. My word! Would you look at that? Is mild profanity, immodest dress, trashy commercials and the other such things you have stated you watch of God? Not according to my Bible they aren’t. They are of the world, the flesh and the devil.
One of the most important words in those verses is "reconciliation." Reconciliation to what? It is speaking of reconciliation to God through our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
If you think I am questioning your very Christianity that is not my place to do. That is between you and The Lord. I merely mean prayerfully to have you ponder the things you are doing. Examine your heart to see if it truly is in Christ. You cannot walk in the light if you hang on to things in the dark. You cannot be a saved Christian and continue to hold on to the things of the world, the flesh and the devil. The Bible says ALL things are become new. Does that mean we miraculously become perfect? Not by any means. It does mean that we have the desire to become perfect, to be like Christ and to strive toward the perfection God requires of us.
I have had people tell me that such things as you profess being not all that bad are permissible because they live in the age of Grace. One of the things grace is supposed to do in a Christian is provide the desire to change. The desire to change to become more and more like our Saviour as we are required to do by the Bible. Certainly grace does cover our sins. Praise God for that or I would be lost. However the Bible clearly says that we shall pay for our iniquities. Perhaps we may even think we are getting away with them in this life but the Bible addresses that aspect also.
In closing let me leave you with this thought:
It is not even we that are alive, it is Christ within us. How do you treat the living Christ that is within you?
In that same Christ,
George
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Post by Brother Randy on Aug 28, 2006 23:03:28 GMT -5
I would add an Amen to what the other brothers have already said.
I one thing I found when we did have a TV , which is some time ago, was that a person allowed things into your home that you normally would Never think twice about allowing. A person would never allow someone to walk into your home with nudity , profain talking, all sorts of eveil things to happen right in front of you. But with TV that is just what we do. Sin no longer shocks us, after all it was just a few bad words or views. so as time goes on we allow more and more into our home. the same goes for music. We went to a church years ago that was teaching our young daughter that as long as it did not say anything bad about God it was ok to listen to. My response, HOGWASH garbage in garbage out.
Another thing that really bothers me is the coarse langage the christian will use. They don't really swear just use different forms of the same word. And some of the other words they will use even though it is not really swearing is very coarse and not what I believe a christian should use, we are to be followers of Christ not the world.
But I believe this is all because we have become desenative to sin it self.
Christians we that name the name of Jesus Christ need to take a stand on what is right . If we had to go to court and prove we are a Christian how would most measure up to the task. Sadly for many I am afraid.
Enough said.
Bro Randy
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Post by ssab12003 on Aug 29, 2006 8:53:41 GMT -5
Dear Sister Holly and Brothers,
Can I first say to holly that your humble and submissive attitude toward this reproof was so refreshing. Many people are rebuked and get their feelings hurt and then become angry and resentful. I appreciate that you are allowing the Lord to show you your error and that you humbly acknowleged where you were wrong. The Lord will bless you if you continue with that right attitude and he will show more and more blessings to you. At first it may have stung a bit but aren't you glad that you have brothers in Christ that care enough to let you know when you are wrong. Not to be rude to you but to help you to become the Christian I am sure you long to be. You sound like you truely want to do what its right and I will pray for you sister that you will seek to do right in the Lord's eyes.
Dear Brothers, may I say thank you for your reproof. I am sure it is difficult to be a man in these times. It seems as though you can't will for losing at times I am sure..... But in this day of everything being ok I am so happy to see that there are still men of God who take the Word seriously and reprove others in love. I came from a very liberal Baptist church where the women ran the show and now, PTL I am in a Godly conservative church where the men are the leaders and the women respect what the men have to say because they (the women) realise these men are men of God that want our best and care enough to say " you are off track here sister and this is the way to get back on the narrow path". Thank you and God bless you.
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Post by George on Aug 29, 2006 21:22:45 GMT -5
Dear sister Alane, thank you so very much for your kind words. They re greatly appreciated. It is things such as what you have posted that indicate to me I am doing things in the way God would have me do them.
Probably the largest problem I have in things of this nature is that people believe that I am too harsh or do not love others and only want to criticize and such as that. That is so far from the truth. As I read and re-read the things posted by hollydawnr concerning TV it brings tears to my eyes. The need for change is so evident. Things such as she has written can only lead to sorrow. Sin is such an incredible burden to carry.
I believe God has given us the Bible for four primary reasons. Those things are to tell us what is right, what is not right, how to get right and then how to stay right. We must keep short accounts with God. Extremely short. We must be willing to recognize the sin in our lives and take those things to God in prayer so that the burden of the sin and the guilt it causes can be removed from us.
Before a person can have the ability to really see the sin in the life of others they must get to the point they abhor the sin in their own lives more than anything else in the world. It is my sin that caused Christ to die on Calvary's cross. The cross that is behind the pulpit at my Church is about me. (Of course there are others who undoubtedly feel the same and the cross is not only about me.) I believe I must take that cross and the sacrifice it symbolizes very personally.
I work with people who are at the absolute bottom of their lives in a lot of cases. Because of my past life and my disdain and actual abhorance for the sin in my own life I have been given the ability to discern. I know sin. I can see it a mile away. I mean not to tout my self but rather the abilities God has given me and the purpose He has set aside for me.
As with you I sincerely appreciate the spirit of hollydawnr in the way she apparently took the first message I posted in response to her. It does not often happen that way. More often than not there is complete denial of things that cause problems in peoples lives. It is a very sad thing to witness. My love for those who suffer needlessly is so incredibly intense it often leaves me in tears.
Again I thank you for your kind words. It is further evidence of the works God has wrought in me, a worthless wretch of a man who is merely a common sinner that has been saved by His grace.
In Christ,
George
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Post by benshelpmeet on Aug 30, 2006 13:17:59 GMT -5
Amen! This has been a really good post. Very thought provoking for those out there that justify TV and movie (VCR and DVD) watching. 
I do appreciate Holly's sweet spirit.  God can really use a person who is open to truth and humble. I know you are a new christian, I appreciate your zeal for ''personal'' modesty.
It is so easy to be deceived. Satan is so tricky. I come from a wicked background too. TV has always been a big part of my life and upbringing, but the Lord has done a consistent purging in my life of that which is displeasing to Him. Year by year and day by day He convicts me of sin and compromise in my life. He is good and faithful to convict of sin and to purge us. He has so much work to do on me yet. Be encouraged.
I had a few thoughts to add. I decided to add these thoughts so onlookers in cyber space will not just think George and a few others feel this way. There are many of us out here who have strong conviction against the world, the flesh and it's teachings. I was glad to see people post on this thread. It's not against Holly, but against sin and the deceiving flesh. Gods ways are pure and Satan's ways are subtle and deceiving and they defile. There are some people who do not truly discover Godly courtship until their children are teens or pre-teens, and it is sometimes hard to convince a resistant teen to go along with it. So I think that this show might actually be somewhat beneficial there, but I think that care must be taken to minimize the effect of some of the other aspects of the show. I think Holly means well, but you cannot go to the world for guidance, you cannot mix holy (Godly courtship ) with unholy ( secular/ Godless TV program ) We get our advice from the bible, and godly successful christians who follow the scriptures and Gods ways. Lev 10:10 And that ye may put difference between holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean; I wouldn't think of it as being appropriate for children, but it's not quite as bad as one might think for it being on MTV. Just watch out for the commercials--they're worse than the show itself If it is bad for children it should be bad for us. We are Gods children.  Rom 16:19 For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.We as christians cannot relate to the world, it's thoughts and it's ways....they should be foreign to us, opposite from our ways and thoughts....we cannot (or should not) be able to relate.And I guess I didn't think about how my words might affect my "weaker brother"... I grew up on TV and watched it for many, many years. Lots of things that probably should bother me often don't, because they're so commonplace. And in a way, I guess that I have developed a partial immunity to it. But my Christian brother or sister may not be so resistant, and by promoting/encouraging it, it may cause them to stumble.
It is so easy to be deceived. Satan is so tricky. I come from a wicked background too. TV has always been a big part of my life and upbringing, but the Lord has done a consistent purging in my life of that which is displeasing to Him.
It is not weakness for a christian not to want to look at or listen to sinful things...actually it is strength. A week fleshed soul comes to God undone in his self and fleshly ways and the mighty God of Heaven and earth saves his retched soul, lifts them from the miry clay, and saves them from an eternity in hell, not to mention a hellish life here on earth..... no matter how much fun sinners claim to have ( only for a season and vanity of vanities. ) And God in His matchless wisdom and strength conforms the sinner and his soul from death to life, giving him a hunger for righteousness and a bad taste in his mouth for sin and compromise the very thing he once craved and sought after. Now thats strength not weakness! 
That is a lie of the devil, that if a christian does not enjoy or does not like being around sinful things that he is a weaker christian. How twisted Satan's lies are. No truth in it at all.
But weak christians fall for that line/lie and they quote it as they commit sin against a holy God and they allow gross compromise into their ''christian'' life. No wonder the world is not interested in God or the things of God  ...they look at us and see our folly and our contradicting life and practices.
God help us to see truth and for God to enlighten our eyes, ears and hearts. God help us to live a life on fire for God without compromise. We have enough trouble trying to live for God and be productive, vibrant christians used of God in this lost, dark world, without mingling the world and it's ways and philosophy's into our lives. They have nothing to offer us, but confusion of thoughts, and confusion of personal testimony.
In Christian love, ~ sister Darlene ~
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Post by ssab12003 on Aug 30, 2006 18:10:22 GMT -5
Bro George,
Is your testimony available that I may read? If not would you be willing to share it? I think it may even help my DH as he is wanting to make some much needed changes in his life. Thank you, Alane
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Post by George on Aug 30, 2006 19:04:30 GMT -5
I do have my testimony that I could email to you. It is on the long side since I did not become a Christian until the early age of 55. It was only then after I was a completely beaten and broken man that I surrendered and dedicated my life to God. Right now I am on my way out the door. I drive a van route for our children's program in Church on Wednesday evening. I will try to send a copy of the testimony to you after I return tonight.
In Christ,
George
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Post by George on Aug 30, 2006 19:09:22 GMT -5
Amen, amen and amen again sister Darlene. That was very well said. It is so often people are involved with things of the world, the flesh and the devil and when a Christian says they do not choose to be involved in the same thing that particular Christian is branded a "weaker brother." As you have so well stated it is a sign of strength and a sign of obedience rather than a sign of weakness.
Christ is my strength. He has given me eternal life. The Bible is my strength for living. What is in that Wonderful Book has literally saved my eartly life. I believe I must do my best to attempt to live tha life as He would want me to.
In Christ,
George
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Post by hollydawnr on Aug 31, 2006 0:31:28 GMT -5
Can I ask a question to all of you regarding fear...
I know that "perfect love casteth out fear" and that God has given us a spirit of courage, but I have some specific questions regarding those who have a fear to be too "different". Please bear with me as I try to understand this, because it's kind of a confusing subject for me...
I have noticed that whenever the topic of TV or something similar comes up, my DH will often react with frustration. Sometimes when I keep pushing (which I try not to do), he'll say something like, "What else do you want me to get rid of?" He has a lot of fear about stepping into the unknown, so to speak. Our Christian walk has already led us into a far different direction than even the other Christians in our lives, and it can be frightening to have to blaze the trail in our families. I know that every time I talk to my mother and the topic of headcovering comes up, she starts nagging me about all the reasons why I DON'T need to wear one. She says she doesn't want me to look "different" all the time. The truth is that I don't look all THAT different. I wear nice clothes (not shaped like gunny sacks) that are very modest but not too "weird". I wear a headcovering that is very feminine and not too bulky. I really don't look too "weird".
Now I know that as a Christian, we're not supposed to conform to the rest of the world. On one hand, I have to say (at the risk of sounding like a teen-ager), "That's not fair!" On one hand, you have the Amish/Mennonite/Hutterite/Brethren, etc. These groups tend to be very tightly-knit and don't generally associate too much with those outside their group, and INSIDE their group there is great conformity. So although they don't conform to the greater world, they DO conform to their microcosm of the world--their own neighborhood standards. Then on another hand, you have those who have been able to homestead and live without neighbors nearby. Like the Amish, they do associate with non-believers, but it's not an everyday occurrence. Then, finally, you have people like me. I live in a part of the country where headcovering women are few and far between, and I have no choice but to be involved in my local community, even though many of them are non-believers (or, even worse, "Sunday Christians"). My neighbor behind me is a New-Age family and my neighbors across the street are a lesbian couple! I apologize for the teenage-sounding complaint, but it really IS very difficult to blaze the path when surrounded by opposition on all sides.
So that is one reason why I have sometimes resisted the convictions I've had to turn away from the evils of this world, and it's also why I sometimes get confused.
For my husband, I think that a big part of it is that he's afraid that if he agrees to get rid of TV (or whatever it is), I'll start asking him to get rid of all his other "fun things". For example, he has a beautiful car that he likes to race (ONLY on the racecourse or drag-strip--never on the streets!), and on weekends we'll often go to the races as a family. It's an interesting environment, and you will often see families, children, teenagers, and older folks, all enjoying the races together. Occassionally, you will see some immodestly-dressed women, but that's not very common. And even the more "scary-looking" ones have always been really good about not using foul language or anything while there. But the best part is that me & the kids (& DH) will pass out tracts and talk to people while we're there.
DH is afraid that I will ask him to give up his racing if he consents to getting rid of the TV. I think that he sees it as a slippery slope argument--"If I get rid of this, what's next?" I have tried to explain to him that I actually consider most of the races to be an excellent witnessing event, but it's still frightening to him, because we don't actually know anyone in real life who is actually where we want our family to be.
(I want to add: There are some races that are NOT family-friendly. DH refuses to attend any racing that involves a bikini contest or supermodels or anything like that--there are a couple each year. But DH says that if it's not appropriate to take the whole family to, it's not appropriate for him to go to.)
How do the rest of you deal with that fear? When you're a "trail-blazer", so to speak, how do you know which direction to go? I don't know if I'm making a lot of sense... We have encountered a wide range of Christians, from the ultra-liberal, feel-good chuchgoers to the ultra-conservative Mennonite and Orthodox groups. We have seen LOTS of problems with the liberals and have already turned in the other direction there. But we also witnessed a few problems with the more conservative Christian families as well, so we don't feel comfortable adopting their philosophy completely. It is difficult to find that "just right" point when there's no one there to guide you. How do you handle that?
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Post by George on Aug 31, 2006 8:52:48 GMT -5
Sister Holly, let me try to address a part of your questions at the outset. I will go over your post in more detail later on and respond to it. There are a lot of points in your questions that I believe bear answering.
To me this question says a lot. He is coming from the standpoint that YOU are trying to make him into something he apparently does not want to be. I believe the best thing which can be done is to work toward showing him it is the Word of God and the prompting of the Holy Spirit that desires the change and that the requests are not solely of you. If a person believes they are changing to meet the desires of another person the change is most often done grudgingly and does not last. It turns people into closet imbibers. If he has the attitude he is not watching TV because of your desires rather than the desires of The Lord the next step for him is to turn the thing on as soon as you are not present. Things done in secret are often pleasing at the time they are done but afterward will cause a great deal of problems.
On this forum there has been a lot of information posted about living a life in accordance with the desires and teachings of God. You can go back into the archives of the forums and glean the scriptural reasons for eliminating the use of the TV of whatever improper habit we find compelling in our lives. Please also continue to ask questions. I will do the best I can to advise you using the Bible and personal experience as a basis for my answers.
You addressed fear. Fear is about stepping into the unknown. That is what makes it so silly. Having a healthy fear of The Lord is really the only kind of fear we ought have in our lives. Fear is baseless because it is founded on nothing. When we are in the spirit of fear we are actually trying to do God's job for Him. It is God's place to determine the outcome of whatever we do in our lives. It is not our place at all yet we have this consuming desire in our lives to be in control at all times. That desire to be in control and to be able to be comfortable and predict the outcome of things is what causes the fear in the first place. We must be able to get to the point in our lives that we can accept that whatever happens to us at any given time is God's Will for us at the time.
The Bible tells us over and over again that God only wants the best for us no matter how undeserving we are of those things. Yet we want desperately for those things to be the way we want them and not the way He wants them.
Fear is baseless and empty. It is vanity in the worst sort understanding the word vanity means emptiness. It is hollow and without foundation. That is the character of fear and what makes it so frightening. We cannot predict the outcome of things. That often causes a withdrawal from the joy of life in God. We have a definite tendency to predict gloom and doom in our lives. Yet that is not what God wants for us. I did a study one time on the number of times in the Bible it says "fear not," or "be not afraid," or "have no fear" and things of that nature. I stopped when I got to 125 times! There are far in excess of 125 times in the Bible where God tells us not to be afraid. Therefore fear is a tool of the devil and his minions. It is not the Spirit of God.
When we get to the point we want to predict and control the outcome of things and are afraid to do something because we don't know the outcome or are not comfortable with it, it shows a complete lack of faith and also that we are mocking God Not mocking God in the sense of making fun of Him but mocking God in the sense of trying to emulate Him and to do His job for Him. The Bible addresses this very well:
Don't deceive ourselves, God is not mocked. The things we do or do not do control the outcome of them. If we do things of the flesh, of which fear is one of the greatest works of the flesh, we shall reap corruption. However is we do the things God wants us to do we shall reap good if we do not faint which means to weary of well doing and to literally fall away from it. God is in control of the outcome of all things. That is extremely difficult for us as mere human beings to accept. We have a desperate desire to be in control but in reality we are in control of nothing.
Read the last five chapters of the Book of Job. That really puts things into perspective. It is vitally important to base our lives on the teachings of God as found in His Holy Word. If we do that we cannot go wrong. The absolute worst fear we can have is fear of losing our lives which are not even ours in the first place. Our lives are God's and we are here for one purpose and that is to serve Him. Being mired down in fear keeps us from being useful to God.
In Christ,
George
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Post by benshelpmeet on Aug 31, 2006 15:10:37 GMT -5
You addressed fear. Fear is about stepping into the unknown. That is what makes it so silly. Having a healthy fear of The Lord is really the only kind of fear we ought have in our lives.
Fear is baseless because it is founded on nothing.
When we are in the spirit of fear we are actually trying to do God's job for Him.
It is God's place to determine the outcome of whatever we do in our lives. It is not our place at all yet we have this consuming desire in our lives to be in control at all times.
That desire to be in control and to be able to be comfortable and predict the outcome of things is what causes the fear in the first place.
We must be able to get to the point in our lives that we can accept that whatever happens to us at any given time is God's Will for us at the time.
Thank you for that Bro.George! That was good! We often look at circumstances around us and become fearful of the outcome instead of simply putting our trust in the Lord. Total abandonment to the will of God in our lives, always being mindful of the decisions we make in our life because we know we reap what we sow.
I think if we live careless instead of careful christian lives, we often live in fear, because deep down we ''know'' we are out of the will of God for our lives. Christians think they can live carelessly with compromises in their lives and still have the blessings of God, but deep down they know the truth and they fear.(Galatians 6:7) Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. (Galatians 6:8) For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. (Galatians 6:9) And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. 1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. If we truly ''love God'' and give him first place in our lives, denying the flesh and the lusts of the flesh, not fearing the face of man, but submitting to the Lords will for His children, the chosen, the called, His bride....Then we have nothing to fear.
Perfect love casteth out fear! 2 Co 13:11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you. 1 John 4:17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.The christian life is not all that hard, yes we have to fight our flesh and yield to God, but the more you do it the easier it becomes. It is a wonderful life! Yield to God, He will guide you.
Bro. George your insights on this topic are inspiring. I needed to hear that.
We all have challenges in our christian walk, it is good to be reminded that God is in control of our life! We just need to make sure we are yielded, and seeking to do His will. We then have nothing to fear.
Perfect love casteth out fear!
~ sister Darlene ~
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. I don't know if it's a new show or what, but I ended up watching four episodes of it back-to-back, and it was very interesting.
God can really use a person who is open to truth and humble. I know you are a new christian, I appreciate your zeal for ''personal'' modesty. 
...they look at us and see our folly and our contradicting life and practices.